Stormy Days Ahead
Some of the conversation the previous evening had centred on news of an approaching storm. Hebrideans are well used to bad weather, but Storm Floris was different, notable for arriving well out of season and forecasting gusts of up to 90 mph.
It was clear the storm would disrupt ferry crossings, which forced me to rethink my plans.
When I’d been route-planning this stage of my round-Britain tour, I knew that including the Inner Hebrides, islands like Skye or Mull, would be logistically awkward. There was, however, a single weekly ferry that called at the island of Coll, and my plan had been to overnight there. That sailing was due to leave on Wednesday.
With the storm forecast to arrive on Monday, the risk of being stranded mid-route suddenly felt very real. Rather than sit tight and lose days to cancelled sailings, I decided to press on to Barra and take my chances waiting out the weather there.
I crossed the final causeway over to Eriskay and reached the slipway just as the ferry was loading, wheeling straight on. Mine was the only bicycle aboard, either proof that most cyclists tackle this journey in the opposite direction, or that others had sensibly decided to stay put for the next couple of days.
No Route Map: Still Learning, Still Looking 
Really interesting read and honest reflection on a difficult and challenging but ultimately rewarding ride. Well done, Deb. Keep it up.
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Thanks Liz!
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